Hey everyone, this blog is going to have a little of everything. It will predominately focus on the different aspects, resources, and services available at our very own Murphy Library. It will also include some interesting information on fitness, nutrition, study habits, and general student know how. ENJOY!

Pages

Follow by Email

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Just Relax, Reference Desk Has Your Back!

Reference Desk Service

The reference desk is a perfect service to help get you where you want to be or what you need from the library. The reference desk is located centrally in the library just past the circulation desk. If you are new to campus and are looking to become more information on the resources and services available at the library or if you are having a tough time finding what you need the reference desk can help.

Maybe you're too busy or a little shy to ask your question in person, no problem, you can “Ask-A-Librarian” via web form/email, through telephone, or through live chat. Personally, I have found the live chat to be really useful. This is especially true on those days when I’m feeling super lazy. The live chat runs during the hours that the reference desk is staffed. The chat can be found on the Murphy Library website and on the left hand column of the main page there is a link “Chat with Librarian”.

Apart from physical exercise and nutrition, mental health is another important aspect of overall wellness. Stress is a healthy part of life and affects everyone. Generally, acute stress helps to emphasize the pleasures of life. A good example of this acute stress would be the anxiety or “butterflies” that you experience prior to a first date. These stressors are what help to make life such an interesting and fulfilling ride. However, stress is not always a good thing and can even be harmful. Too much stress can be distracting and de-motivational. Research has shown that excessive stress can hinder the immune system by reducing the amount of germ-fighting cells within blood. This reduction in germ-fighting cells increases the risk of infection for an individual. I found the following excerpt from Wellness for Life interesting.

The Wellness Councils of America report the following concerning stress and its relationship to illness, particularly the common cold:

-People who have been under severe stress for 1 to 6 months are two times more likely to get a cold

-Individuals undergoing more than 2 years of stress are four times likely to get sick

-The least likely to catch a cold are those with many relationships

-Unemployment or underemployment increases the risk of developing a cold by 3 ½ times

Other illnesses that are directly related to stress:

Hypertension (this is problematic because it has a strong relationship to cardiovascular disease)

Ulcers

Skin disorders

Exercise To Help Manage Stress

Exercise is a great way to help manage the stressors of daily living. Regular exercise, 3-5 days/week for 20-30min. each session, can produce positive effects. Exercising helps to boost the production of endorphins, the brains feel good neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter can help by improving mood. Exercise can also increase self-confidence and make the physical body stronger which will allow the individual to withstand a greater amount of stress. According to an article by the Mayo Clinic, exercise can also help to improve sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety.

Exercise is a great way to help you manage the stress in your life, but, it is certainly not the only way. For more information on how to manage stress I encourage you to take a look at Wellness for Life.